I have wanted for
some time to be part of an effort to clean up and repair the cemetery at Spring
Valley where our ancestor, Charles Massie (1727-1817), lived and operated an
apple orchard. When I was there some time ago the rock wall that once enclosed
and defined the grave sites was falling down and undergrowth had pretty much
taken over. Many of you have visited this cemetery and will know the need to do
some work on it. Some cleaning was done several years ago when the DAR met
there to install a memorial at Charles’ grave. Nothing has been done since.

The present owner
of the surrounding orchard, Mr. Henry Chiles, has agreed for us to do some
beautifying work there and, I think, would appreciate our fixing up the plot.
Dr. Cecil Massie introduced me to Stephanie Ramsey, the great grand-daughter of
Pauline Gash Massie, who works for Mr. Chiles. She has expressed an interest in
this project. I thought it would be
worthwhile
for us as a family to set up a fund to do some repair and regular maintenance to
this beautiful and historic cemetery.

Many of the stones
have fallen over and need to be set up. Also the rock wall needs extensive
work. Possibly we can hire some further work done if you, like me, are too old
to use a scythe or chainsaw. To do so will require that we have some funds
available for expenses. I do not think that one or two should bear the cost and
labor for this worthy endeavor. This is a lovely cemetery in a wonderful
setting and we should preserve its beauty and honor those from whom we descend.

It has been discovered that Charles was NOT the
Revolutionary War Patriot as awarded. There was a Charles who was in the
war who died or was killed in December of 1776. Our Charles had two sons
who were in the war and Charles undoubtedly contributed to the war effort
otherwise.

The cemetery is
located off Rt151 near the old Rockfish Valley High School, by way of Rt635 on
Rt634 (Spring Valley RD). You can also go in from Rt29 at Covesville by Rt633
to Heards and then Rt634 down to Spring Valley Farms. They now have a pick your
own cherry fruit stand there and the stand is right at the cemetery.

We
have structured an association for the purpose of renovating and maintaining the
cemetery of our oldest known (with certainty) ancestor, Charles Massie,
1727-1817. His son, John Massie came to Amherst County and married Susannah
Wright from whom most of us descend.

Constitution and By-Laws of the Spring Valley Cemetery Association

Article I - Name

The name of this body shall be the “Spring
Valley Cemetery Association” hereinafter referred to as the Association.

Article II - Purpose

The sole purpose of this Association is to
serve in restoring, beautifying and maintaining the rock enclosed cemetery
located in the valley commonly known as Spring Valley. This cemetery is an
historic site containing the known graves of Charles Massie, born 1727 that died
in 1817, who purchased the property in 1768, along with others of his immediate
family. This cemetery is not, and it is anticipated that it will not be used
for further internment of others, including descendants of the Charles Massie.

Included in such purpose is: purchasing,
leasing, receiving by gift or bequest, and otherwise acquiring, owning, holding,
improving, or any interest needed to carry out the above and to insure the
welfare of this Association.

Article III - Membership – Voting

Section – 1. The membership of this
Association shall be the interested descendants of Charles Massie born 1727,
died 1817, and who is interred in the cemetery located in Spring Valley,
Albemarle County, Virginia. These descendants are many and widely scattered,
and in some instances unknown. It is recognized that each has the right of
representation as members in this Association; however because of the
difficulties encountered in accessing each and all in the decision making
process, the management of this Association shall be vested in a Board of
Trustees.

Section -2. There should be no less than
nine and no more than twelve trustees. Initially the founding trustees shall be
selected from interested family members who volunteer to serve in that capacity
for a period of two years. Subsequent trustees shall be elected by the
membership at a called meeting published in the Nelson County Newspaper.

Section -3. Trustees shall be selected by
the membership and will serve for a period of five years and may succeed
themselves at the pleasure of the membership. Vacancies on the board may be
filled by majority vote of the remaining trustees until the next meeting of the
membership.

Section -4. Descendants shall be defined
as those persons who by blood descend directly from one of the children of this
Charles Massie and the legal spouses of these descendants. Decisions regarding
qualification shall reside in the Trustees where conflict occurs.

Article IV – Support

Much of the work of this body depends upon
the good will and voluntary work of its members. Often other phases of the work
including maintenance, upkeep, and beautification of the cemetery require
financial support. It is thus important that family members support by
contributions the work that cannot be done by volunteers. For this purpose a
bank account will be maintained for the repository of funds.

Article V – Meetings

From time to time meetings of the membership
shall be held. Meetings shall be announced in the Amherst and Nelson County
Newspapers for two weeks in advance of such meetings. Notification of the site
of such meeting will also be publicized.

Trustees shall meet at least biannually and
otherwise as necessary for the performance of their function. Trustees shall
consider a quorum to be five trustees and the majority rule in making
decisions. A record of trustee meetings will be kept and available for the
information of any member.

Article VI – Officers

The officers of this Association shall be
the President, Vice-President and Secretary- Treasurer. These positions may be
combined in any combination at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.

Article VII – Trustees

Control and Management of the Association
shall be vested in the Board of Trustees who shall make such rules and
regulations for the management of the assets of the Association and for any
other matters dealing with the cemetery as it deems proper.

VIII – Amendments

This constitution may be amended or a new
constitution adopted by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a general
meeting of the membership, provided proper and adequate notification of such
meeting is made. Any change to be voted upon at such meeting shall be sent in
draft form, mailed to all Trustees at least 30 days prior to such meeting.

By-Laws, Rules and Regulations

Article I – Operating Procedures

Section 1. There may be many differences of
opinion as to the renovation, beautification and maintenance of this cemetery
and its enclosing walls. Differences should be presented to the Trustees for
resolution. Their determined resolution shall be final unless overturned by a
meeting of the membership. If a conflict is not satisfactorily resolved, any
three members may request a called meeting of the general membership and the
Trustees shall call a meeting within 60 days.

Article II – Duties of Officers

Section 1. The President shall preside over
the meetings of the Association. He may be a Trustee, and as such preside over
the meetings of the Board of Trustees. He shall perform the duties incident to
the office.

Section 2. The Vice President shall act in
the absence of the President and assist that officer as he may direct.

Section 3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall
keep a record of the proceedings of the Board and as Treasurer keep an account
of all money received by the Association, and deposit the same in the bank to
the credit of the Association. Disbursements shall be made under the
Treasurer’s signature. He shall make a report of his disbursements and the
financial condition of the Association to the Trustees at their meetings and to
the membership at their meetings.

Article III – Amendments

These By-Laws may be amended or a new
By-Laws adopted by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting of the
membership. Proposed changes shall be mailed in draft form to all Trustees at
least 30 days prior to the membership meeting that the change will be voted
upon.